Collapsible table



Nov. 15, 1966 w, LQEBNER 3,285,205

COLLAPSIBLE TABLE Filed June 25, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 15, 1966 w. LOEBNER COLLAPS IBLE TABLE Filed June 25, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 3

United States Patent 3,285,205 COLLAPSIBLE TABLE William Loebner, 220 W. 98th St., New York, N.Y. Filed June 25, 1965, Ser. No. 467,016 4 Claims. (Cl. 108-419) This invention relates generally to tables and more particularly to collapsible tables.

Heretofore, folding or collapsible tables have taken various forms and shapes which may generally be classified as knock-down tables which are those in which the support sections or legs are separable from the table top and tables in which either the top or legs are folded to place the table in its collapsed position.

In the construction of knock-down or collapsible tables in which the table top is separable from the support or legs there is generally the need to join the two by some catch arrangement when the table is assembled in its erect position for use. Not only is it difiicult for some 'users to assemble a table of this construction but when assembled the structural rigidity of the table is not always sufiiciently sturdy.

In other foldable tables the support sections, generally in the form of legs, are hinged to the table top and folded thereunder to place the table in its compact or collapsed form for storage. The shortcoming of this construction is that in the erect position, a catch or other locking device is employed as a brace between the table legs and top which requires a certain effort on the part of the user to assemble the table each time for readying it for use. Additionally, the rigidity of the table is directly related to the strength of the brace which is often times inadequate to supply the necessary strength to the table.

Other existing devices employ the above design in addition to having the legs individually foldable to further reduce the table size in its collapsed position or condition. A device of this sort has the added weakness that the legs which are made of two sections must be substantially rigidly coupled together to obtain the structural integrity necessary for a commercially acceptable table.

Thus, in the manufacture of collapsible tables for use in homes, the basic problems to be solved by any construction are sturdiness, ease of folding, minimal size in its collapsed position for storage purposes and low manufacturing costs. A collapsible table should be as strong and rigid as an ordinary table and should be easily erected from its collapsed position or collapsed with a minimum of effort and should cost no more than a rigid table of similar quality.

The present invention provides a collapsible table fulfilling these ideal conditions.

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved collapsible or foldable table capable of being readily erected and then folded in a collapsed position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a structurally simple, portable folding table which has strength and structural rigidity and is collapsible into a convenient configuration of minimal thickness and opens to constitute a stable, rigid, full sized table.

Another object of the invention is to provide a col-' "ice Still another object is to provide a collapsible table which is readily manufactured from a relatively reduced number of parts, each individually simple to manufacture and assemble at relatively low cost.

The aforesaid objects of the present invention, and other objects which will become apparent as the description proceeds, areachieved by providing a pair of supporting units pivotally mounted. with respect to each other, each of which comprise one or more legs which in turn is pivotally mounted to the underside of a table top either directly or through extension means. The table top is freely rotatable from a stable horizontal position, when the table is in its erected position, to a vertical position when the table is in its collapsed position. Since the pivot points are relatively fixed and the distance between them varies with the position of the table, an extension device associated with one of the supporting units or legs is provided to adjust with the corresponding changes in length and wherein the extension device is in its extended position when the table is collapsed and in its shortened or retracted position when the table is erected. Additionally the table of the present invention achieves unusual sturdiness in its erect position since the construction of the legs and top are of one piece design and not foldable into sections.

For a better understanding of the present invention reference should be had to the accompanying drawings,

wherein like numerals of the reference indicate similar parts throughout the several views and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the collapsible table of the present invention showing the same completely erected and ready for use;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view showing the collapsible table of FIG. 1 in complete folded condition;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but illustrating another embodiment of the invention, which illustrates a structure having four legs; and

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating yet another embodiment of the invention, having a pair of extension members to thereby support the table top at four points.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, there is shown a collapsible table 10 of the present invention having a first and second support unit 15 and 25, respectively, which are pivotally connected in a suitable manner at their upper ends to a table top 11 as later described. The first and second support units 15 and 25 are interconnected by a pivotal arrangement to limit movement of the sections from the folded or collapsed position of FIG. 2 to the opened up condition or erect position of FIG. 1. Each of the support units 15 and 25 may be formed of any desired material, for example aluminum tubing or the like.

The top 11 is shown as circular but square, triangular, hexagonal or other shapes may be employed. The table top 11 may be made of a suitable material such as wood, plastic or a metal and has an upper and lower surface 12 and 13, respectively.

The first unit 15 comprises a pair of rigid legs 16 which are essentially identical in construction and maintained in fixed spaced relationship to each other. Each of the legs 16 has an upper section 17 and a lower section 18 integral therewith and formed at an angle with respect to each other. The legs 16 are joined to each other by a rigid cross-bar 19. The second support unit 25 is pivotally connected thereto at a juncture point 20 of the upper and lower portions 17 and 18 of the legs 16. The cross-bar 19 joining leg sections 18 serves a duel function of supplying rigidity to and joining the spaced apart legs 17 thereby forming a unitary structure as Well as a support point for the second support unit 25 which may rest Patented Nov. 15, 1966 Y against the cross-bar 19 when the table is in its collapsed position as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Hinge means are provided to pivotally connect one end of each of the legs 16 of the first supporting unit to the underside 13 of the table top 11, whereby said top may be rotated from the substantially vertical position of FIG. 2 to the horizontal position of FIG. 1. The upper extremity of section 17 of legs 16 are formed into an angled portion 21 which extends parallel to the lower surface 13 of top 11 and is pivotally mounted therewith by hinge means consisting of a pair of pivot brackets 22 having a socket therein for receiving the angled portions 21. The brackets or sockets 22 are mounted on the surface 13 by screws 23 or some other fastening means in spaced apart relationship and in horizontal alignment with each other as can be seen in FIG. 2, to permit relative rotation between the first supporting unit 15 and the table top 11 about a horizontal plane with respect to the surface 50 on which the table in its erect or collapsed position will be supported.

The juncture of the angled leg sections 17 and 18 is above the midpoint of the vertical height from the surface 50 on which the table rests to the upper surface 12 of the top 11 and/or the distance between the ends of the legs 16 at their lower section 18 is greater than the distance between the angled portions 21 of the upper sections 17 when the table 10 is in its erected wide base supporting position.

The second supporting unit 25 is constructed to be extendable in length and shortenable. It can be seen that the length from the pivotal connection where the two supporting units 15 and 25 cross each other until the second unit 25 is connected to the lower surface 13 of the top 11 is a variable distance and is greatest in length when the table is in its collapsed position and shortest in its erected position.

The second support unit 25 consists generally of a support member 26 which may be in the form of a tubular channel and acts essentially as a third leg to support the table 10 in its erected position. Since the distance from the upper end 29 of the support member 26 to the surface 13 varies when the units 15 and 25 are spread apart or collapsed, extension means in the form of an extension member 27 which is extensible longitudinally relative to the support unit 25 is provided. The support member 26 has a longitudinal bore 28 therein, the latter being dimensioned to accept the extension member 27 so that one may be interfitted within the other and being slidable and longitudinally adjustable relative to each other. It should be pointed out that the interfitted or telescopic relationship exists irrespective if the extension member 27 extends within channel 28 or outwardly thereof.

The upper or free end of the extension member 27 is pivotally connected to a pair of L-shaped brackets 32 that are mounted by-screws 33 to the underside 13 of the table top 11 along a line in parallel spaced relationship to the mounting brackets 21 which pivotally supports the first supporting unit 15. The pivotal connection may be obtained by providing a bolt 34 which is caused to pass through a clearance hole in the extension member 27 and wherein the bolt 34 is in engagement with the upright legs of the L-shaped brackets 32.

Horizontal pivot means interconnect the first support unit 15 with the second support unit 25 in essentially crossed relationship intermediate the juncture of the upper section 17 and lower section 18 of the leg 16, whereby the support units may be moved between an almost co-planar collapsed position as shown in FIG. 2, and a wide base supporting position as shown in FIG. 1. This location of the pivot axis is to provide greater horizontal spread between the support units at their bottom portion in contact with the support surface 50 to insure ample stability against tipping than at the upper position in engagement with top 11. v

The pivot means preferably comprises a bolt and a -'but with the letter nut 36 which interconnects each leg 16 of the first support 15 with the second support unit 25 as by providing a clearance hole in each of said unit to accommodate the bolt 30, suitable washers 31 being interposed between the adjacent surfaces of the first and second units.

It is relatively easy to erect the table 10 of the present invention to provide the full circular table of FIG. 1. The structural rigidity of the table is found in the fact that there are no folding parts. The table of the present invention is quickly and easily collapsed by merely pivoting the three basic elements of the invention, namely top 11, first and second supporting units 15 and 25 abut three pivotal axes or points 22, 30 and 32. By this unique interrelation of component parts all sorts of catch implements normally found in collapsible tables are entirely eliminated.

In its collapsed position, the table 10 as seen in FIG. 2, the first and second support units 15 and 25 with the top 11 have revolved into an almost complete planar surface whose width or thickness is no greater than the thicknesses of the individual thicknesses of the top 11 and the diameter of the leg 16. In this position the extension member 27 is in its extended position but with a portion thereof still within the channel 28 of the third leg 26.

To erect the table 10 the top 11 need merely be rotated about the pivotal brackets 21 until the extension member 27 is in its retracted position. in which said member extends longitudinally of and interfits within leg 26. When extension member 27 is fully retractable inwardly of its companion leg member 26 the bracket 32 or bolt 34 depending on the spacing of said brackets, may come to rest in contact with the upper end of forward edge 29 of the leg 1 of the leg 26 and the table 10 will be in the position of FIG. 1. Thus, each of the component members 11, I15 and 25 independently rotate about a given horizontal axis from the collapsed to erect position and when in either of said positions the table is available for immediate storage or use without further adjustment or latching devices of any sort to maintain the table in said position.

In the above described table 10, the second support unit 25 consists of only one leg 26 so that essentially a tripod support structure is provided :for the table. However, as shown in FIG. 3, a collapsible table 1011 which is generally similar to the table 10 and has its parts identified by the same reference numerals employed in connectron with the corresponding parts of apparatus 10,

u a appended thereto, is provided with a first supporting unit 15a and a second support- 111g unit 25a having a pair of legs 40. The units 15a and 25a are pivotally connected to each other as by bolt 30a which passes through each leg 16a and the second support unit 25a, washers 310! are interposed between each leg 16a of the support unit 25a to maintain them in properly spaced relationship and facilitate ease of rotation between the support units. Nut 26a is threadably engaged with the bolt 30a to retain the members securely 1n place. The legs 16a of the first supporting unit 15a are maintained in fixed spaced relationship to each other as by providing a cross-bar which extends horizontally and rigidly joins the legs 16a across their lower section 18a. The cross-bar 19a is positioned so as to permit the 'legs 40 of the second support unit 25a to engage it when the table l10a is in the collapsed position of FIG. 3.

The table top 11a is pivotally connected at its lower surface 13a to the upper extremity of section 17a of legs 16a which are formed into angled portions 21a and rotatably mounted within brackets 22a which are adapted to receive said portions 21a. The brackets 22a are mount- 2 in spaced relationship on the surface 13a as by screws To give the table 10a additional structural rigidity in its erected position the second supporting unit .2511 is provided with a pair of legs 40a so that the table has four spaced apart legs supporting it. The second support unit 25a consists of a support member 26a which is preferably in the form of a tubular channel and a pair of legs 40 integrally joined to the support member 26a at one end thereof. Extension means are cooperatively associated the second support unit 25a to vary the length of said unit from when the table is erect to when it is collapsed. The extension means consisting of an extension member 27a being interfitted within the channel 28a of support member 26a and being slidable and longitudinally adjustable relative to said support member 26a.

The free end of the extension member 27a is pivotally connected to a pair of L-shaped brackets 32a that are mounted as by screws 33a to the underside 13a of the table top 11a as by providing a bolt 34a which extends transversely through a clearance hole in the extension member 27a and through the upright legs of the L-shaped bracket 32a.

In each previously described collapsible table or 10a the extension means consists of a single extension member 27 or 27a so that the variable distance from the pivot point of the two support units which varies with the table position may be readily adjusted. However, as shown in FIG. 4, a collapsible table 10b which is generally similar to the previously described apparatus 10a, and which has its several parts identified by the same reference numerals as have been used in describing the corresponding parts of table 210a except .a b replaces the reference a, is provided with a second supporting unit 25b formed to have a pair of legs 40b integrally joined to one end of connecting member 42 and a pair of supporting members 41 integrally joined to the opposite end of the connecting member 42.

By providing a pair of support members 41 with cooperatively associated extension means in the form of extension members 27b which are interfitted within a respective channel 43 of support member 41 and said extension members 27b pivotally connected to the lower surface 13b of top 11b. The table top 11b is supported at four spaced apart locations by the first and second supporting units b and 25b respectively. The free end of the extension members 27b are each pivotally connected to a pair of L-shaped brackets 32b that are mounted as by screws 33b to the underside 13b of the table top 11b as by providing a bolt 34b which extends transversely through a clearance hole in the extension member 27b and through the upright legs of the L-shaped brackets 32b.

The first supporting unit 15b and second supporting unit 25b are pivotally connected to each other by a bolt 30b which passes through each leg 16b and the connecting member 42, washers 31b are interposed between each leg 16b and the second support unit 25b to maintain them in a properly spaced relationship and facilitate ease of rotation between the support units. A nut 36b is threadably engaged with the bolt 30b to retain the latter in position.

The legs 16b of the first supporting unit 15b are maintained in fixed spaced relationship to each other by pro- 6 viding a cross-bar 1% which extends horizontally and rigidly joins the legs 16b across their lower section 18b.

The table top 11b is pivotally connected .at its lower surface 13b to the upper extremity of section 17b of legs 16b which are formed into angle-portions 21b and rotatably mounted within brackets 22a which are adapted to receive said portions 21b. The brackets 22b are mounted in spaced relationship on the surface 13b as by screws 23b.

Although illustrative embodiments of this invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, except as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A collapsible table comprising, a table top, a plurality of rigid support legs pivotally secured to said table top, pivot means pivotally securing said support legs at spaced positions on said table top for selective movement of said legs to a first stable position supporting said table top in a substantial-1y horizontal position in readiness for use and a second collapsed position in which said legs and said table top are relatively positionable in substantially contiguous planes, and said plurality of legs comprising an extendable and shortenable telescopic leg automatically extendable and shortenable when the table top is positioned in said horizontal position and said collapsed position respectively, and means connecting said legs for causing said legs to assume said two positions jointly.

2. A collapsible table according to claim 1, in which said telescopic leg comprises a first rigid portion pivotally mounted on the last mentioned means and a second rigid portion secured to said top and telescopic longitudinally in said second portion, and said second portion having substantially the length of the other legs in said plurality of legs, and said other legs comprising a pair of legs.

3. A collapsible table according to claim 2, in which said last mentioned means comprises means holding said other legs fixed relative to each other and said telescopic leg first portion pivotal relative to said other legs.

4. A collapsible table according to claim 3, in which said first portion is disposed between said other legs.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 706,675 8/1902 Mack 108119 1,289,245 12/1918 Otte 108119 1,738,886 12/1929 Gilbert 108122 1,785,450 12/ 1930 Lafiillee 108115 2,567,595 9/1951 Bryant 1081 16 2,717,817 9/1955 Reichman 108l21 2,929,666 3/1960 Miller 108-121 3,084,896 4/1963 Alexiou 108118 FRANK B. SHERRY, Primary Examiner.

G. O. FINCH, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A COLLAPSIBLE TABLE COMPRISING, A TABLE TOP, A PLURALITY OF RIGID SUPPORT LEGS PIVOTALLY SECURED TO SAID TABLE TOP, PIVOT MEANS PIVOTALLY SECURING SAID SUPPORT LEGS AT SPACED POSITIONS ON SAID TABLE TOP FOR SELECTIVE MOVEMENT OF SAID LEGS TO A FIRST STABLE POSITION SUPPORTING SAID TABLE TOP IN A SUBSTANTIALLY HORIZONTAL POSITION IN READINESS FOR USE AND A SECOND COLLAPSED POSITION IN WHICH SAID LEGS AND SAID TABLE TOP ARE RELATIVELY POSITIONABLE IN SUBSTANTIALLY CONTIGUOUS PLANES, AND SAID PLURALITY OF LEGS COMPRISING AN EXTENDABLE AND SHORTENABLE TELESCOPIC LEG AUTO- 